Reservedness: meaning, definitions and examples
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reservedness
[ rɪˈzɜːvdnəs ]
Noun
Context #1 | Noun
in social interactions
The quality of being reserved or reticent in one's behavior or communication. It is the tendency to keep one's thoughts, feelings, or opinions to oneself, often giving the impression of being aloof or distant.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He maintained a certain reservedness in his interactions with others.
- Her reservedness often made it difficult for others to get to know her better.
Etymology
The word 'reservedness' originates from the verb 'reserve' which comes from the Latin 'reservare' meaning 'to keep back, save, preserve'. The concept of being reserved has been present in various cultures throughout history, often associated with qualities like dignity, self-control, and privacy. In social interactions, being reserved can be seen as a form of protection or a way to maintain boundaries.